GREAT BAY--St. Maarten-born auditor Mariana Fleming has successfully completed all requirements for the Registeraccountant (RA) qualification, the highest professional designation in the Dutch accountancy profession and the Netherlands equivalent of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Audit Team St. Maarten (ATS), where Fleming is employed, announced the achievement following her successful completion of the final examination administered by the Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants (NBA) in October 2026.
Born and raised on St. Maarten, Fleming completed her bachelor's and master's studies abroad before returning home to pursue the RA qualification while continuing to live and work on the island.
She is expected to be formally entered into the NBA register, the Netherlands' official register of qualified accountants, following an oath-taking ceremony in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.
"Becoming an RA has been a professional goal of mine for many years," Fleming said. "I wanted to challenge myself and reach the highest level of qualification in my field."
The achievement is particularly significant for St. Maarten, where professionals holding the RA designation remain relatively uncommon. Fleming's accomplishment also demonstrates that advanced professional qualifications can be pursued while maintaining a career on the island.
Russelline Zimmerman, Manager and Auditor at Audit Team St. Maarten, congratulated Fleming on reaching the milestone, emphasizing the dedication and expertise required to complete the qualification.
"Reaching the milestone of Registered Accountant takes immense hard work, dedication, and expertise. Mariana, your commitment to excellence makes our organization stronger every day, and we are so proud to celebrate this fantastic achievement with you!" Zimmerman stated.
ATS Director Sherwin Casper said the accomplishment reflects the organization's commitment to developing local professionals and strengthening St. Maarten's workforce.
"We take pride in developing professionals who remain rooted in Sint Maarten. Mariana shows that world-class qualifications are achievable while contributing to our local economy," Casper said.
The RA qualification is regulated under the Dutch Act on the Accountancy Profession and administered by the NBA. Candidates must complete extensive academic studies, postgraduate professional education, practical training and examinations before taking the professional oath and being admitted to the register.
Fleming's achievement highlights the potential for St. Maarten professionals to attain international qualifications while contributing their expertise to the local economy.
Audit Team St. Maarten conducts wage tax audits, business compliance checks and inspections in cooperation with SZV and the Inspectorate of Taxes. The organization also invests in training and developing local professionals to strengthen expertise in accounting, taxation and regulatory compliance.
